Hyderabad-based game publishing startup 1312 Interactive has successfully raised funding from some of India’s most influential gaming industry leaders, including Nodwin Gaming co-founders Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk, Gametronics CEO Rajat Ojha, and Moonfrog Labs co-founder Tanay Tayal.
This pre-seed funding round also saw participation from key global gaming figures such as former Sony and Amazon executive Rick Herman, YesGnome’s Sridhar Muppidi, Playsimple founders, and ExMachina Investment Partners co-founder Vatsal Chintalpati.
Empowering Indian and Global Game Developers
Founded in June 2024 by Deepak Gurijala and Raviteja Mantena, 1312 Interactive is on a mission to discover and publish independent (indie) and AA games (mid-market video games) for a global audience. The company provides marketing, quality assurance (QA), localization, and production support to game studios in India, Southeast Asia, MENA, and South America, helping developers bring their creations to the international stage.
“Our goal is to bring Indian games to a global audience while ensuring our studios get the right support to build world-class titles,” said Gurijala and Mantena in a joint statement.
Upcoming Game Releases
1312 Interactive has ambitious plans to release 6-8 titles annually, ensuring a steady pipeline of high-quality games for PC and console gamers worldwide. The company has already announced three exciting titles scheduled for 2025:
- Winds of Arcana (Brewed Games)
- Palm Sugar: A Village Story (Mono Tusk Studios)
- Souls of Bombarika (Street Lamp Games)
Industry Leaders Back India’s Game Publishing Boom
Industry veterans have hailed 1312 Interactive as a game-changer for India’s gaming ecosystem. Akshat Rathee, co-founder of Nodwin Gaming, expressed his excitement about the startup’s vision, stating:
“1312 Interactive is a bold and necessary step toward putting Indian game publishing on the global map. With their deep industry knowledge and commitment to quality, Deepak and Ravi are set to bring some truly outstanding titles to players worldwide.”
Sridhar Muppidi, Chairman of the Game Developers Association of India (GDAI), emphasized the untapped potential in Indian game publishing:
“India has long been a powerhouse of game development talent, but publishing has remained an untapped opportunity—until now. 1312 Interactive arrives at the perfect moment, bridging the gap between Indian creativity and global markets. This is a crucial step in establishing India as a serious player in the premium PC and console space.”
India’s Gaming Industry on a Growth Trajectory
According to Niko Partners, India is the fastest-growing games market in Asia, both in revenue and player base.
- Projected revenue in 2025: Over $1 billion, up from $943 million in 2024.
- Expected market growth: $1.4 billion by 2028, with a 5-year CAGR of 11.1%.
These figures underscore India’s booming gaming sector, and 1312 Interactive’s focus on publishing high-quality PC and console titles positions it at the forefront of this transformation.
A New Era for Indian Game Publishing
With a clear vision and strong backing from industry leaders, 1312 Interactive is set to redefine game publishing in India. By providing critical support for indie and AA developers, the company is enabling Indian and global game studios to scale their projects and reach a worldwide audience.
The success of 1312 Interactive will not only benefit game developers but also solidify India’s position as a key player in the international gaming market. As the gaming industry continues its upward trajectory, 1312 Interactive’s commitment to quality and global expansion signals a new era for Indian game publishing.
